Podcasts · Education

Unforgettable Presentations

Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown

100 episodes

Attention experienced corporate presenters, public speakers, professional speakers and pastors.

More about the show

Do you want to deliver a good, a great or an unforgettable presentation?

Get insights from behind the scenes on some of the most unforgettable presentations ever delivered.

√ What's the story behind the presentation? √ Where did the idea come from? √ How did they prepare it? √ How did they execute it?

Join World Champions of Public Speaking, Mark Brown & Darren LaCroix. They have been world-class speaking coaches for over a decade and have trained presenters in over 14 countries. You'll love their chemistry and wisdom.

What will you hear? Some episodes will be rock-solid content, some episodes will be interviews with presenters who delivered an unforgettable presentation.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. Ep. 374 THE STORY BEHIND THE CHAMPION WITH DIRCEU DA SILVA

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 374

    Every August, Toastmasters International crowns a new World Champion of Public Speaking. In today's episode, Mark and Darren have a heart-to-heart chat with 2026 WCPS Dirceu da Silva, as he unveils the story behind his…

  2. Ep. 373 UNFORGETTABLE AUTHENTICITY WITH ALLISON SHAPIRA

    · 38 min · Episode 373

    How important are AUTHENTICITY and BELIEVABILITY for a professional communicator? Hall of Fame speaker, author, Harvard Adjunct Lecturer and former opera singer Allison Shapira tackles this question in a lively…

  3. Ep. 372 WHY WE ROOT FOR THE UNDERDOG WITH ANGELO PIZZO

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 372

    A common idiom says, "Everyone loves an underdog story." Today, Mark and Darren explore that concept with acclaimed American screenwriter and producer Angelo Pizzo, whose films include the iconic classics 'HOOSIERS'…

  4. Ep. 371 BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE WITH RICH HART

    · 41 min · Episode 371

    Technology has become an important tool for presenters, and few know more about this than Rich Hart, CEO and Founder of Global Media Studios in Atlanta, GA, USA. Mark and Darren speak with Rich about using video and…

  5. Ep. 370 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE CAREER WITH BETTY GARRETT

    · 46 min · Episode 370

    What has become most important to meeting planners in the 2020s? What do speakers need to be successful? How can a speaker's bureau help? After 31 years as the founder and CEO of Garrett Speakers International (GSI),…

  6. Ep. 369 GREATNESS WITH DON YAEGER AND PATRICIA FRIPP

    · 52 min · Episode 351

    How does one achieve greatness in one career, then do the same in another? Today, Darren and Mark find out from best-selling author and Hall-Of-Fame speaker Don Yaeger, and his coach, Hall-Of-Fame speaker Patricia…

  7. Ep. 368 - 2026 World Championship of Public Speaking - THE CHAMPS CRITIQUE

    · 1 h 45 min · Episode 368

    The 2026 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking was held in August, and this special episode was requested by many. Darren and Mark are joined by fellow World Champions David Brooks (1990), Ed…

  8. Ep. 367 UNFORGETTABLE WRITING WITH VINCE ANTONUCCI

    · 55 min · Episode 367

    It's been said that great speeches aren't written; they're re-written. Today Darren and Mark learn the ins and outs of great writing from author/speaker/minister Vince Antonucci. His techniques are simple and…

  9. Ep. 366 STORIES THAT CHANGE LIVES WITH STEPHEN KENDRICK

    · 47 min · Episode 366

    How do we find stories that change lives? In this episode, Mark & Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers. They dive into story techniques and the mindset behind…

  10. Ep. 365 YOUR BRAINSTORM BUDDY?

    · 21 min

    Peer collaboration may be just what you need to get breakthroughs and insights. Reflecting on a recent CREATE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE KEYNOTE 3-Day workshop, Darren & Mark discuss the benefits of both having and being a…

  11. Ep. 364 SPEAKING TO DIVERSE AUDIENCES – ASIF ALI, DEWAN TO PRINCE OF ARCOT

    · 51 min

    Most presenters serve a niche audience, but how should they navigate serving diverse audiences? Today Mark and Darren talk with Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, from the Royal Family in…

  12. Ep. 363 CONNECT QUICKLY WITH HIGH-STAKES AUDIENCES

    · 51 min · Episode 363

    Darren often says: "We must connect before we can educate, inspire or persuade." Today, Darren and Mark talk with veteran late-night comedy writer and Human Humor Detector Chris McGuire about the importance of…

  13. Ep. 362 BE UNFORGETTABLE ON LINKEDIN WITH RICHARD BLISS

    · 45 min · Episode 362

    "LinkedIn is always changing! How do we stay current?" This question is on the minds of many, and today Mark and Darren get answers from LinkedIn Top Voice Richard Bliss. As they discuss critical changes to the…

  14. Ep. 361 KEEPERS AND ACTION ITEMS?

    · 23 min · Episode 361

    There is no guarantee that audiences will remember every nugget and act after a presentation. This is especially true when leading workshops and multi-day programs. Darren and Mark expound on two tools that make this…

  15. Ep. 360 VIRTUALLY ENGAGING?

    · 41 min · Episode 360

    Virtual presentations are here to stay and as presenters we must keep our audiences interested and engaged, sometimes for multi-day programs. Mark and Darren have conducted virtual programs for several years and today…

  16. Ep. 359 WHAT'S A STORY DIG?

    · 28 min · Episode 357

    Stories well told can be inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. However, sometimes speakers inadvertently omit the most compelling elements of their stories. Today Darren and Mark discuss the STORY DIG…a process…

  17. Ep. 358 STORYTELLING MISTAKES?

    · 34 min · Episode 358

    Everyone appreciates a story, and the difference between a good story and an unforgettable story comes down to a few mistakes that many speakers make. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss common storytelling…

  18. Ep. 356 HOW COACHING TRANSFORMS

    · 37 min · Episode 356

    Following up on last week's episode, Darren and Mark talk with Philip Riggs, A VIP client at their recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Philip shares the lessons and insights that empowered him to…

  19. Ep. 355 HOW COACHING MAKES A DIFFERENCE

    · 57 min · Episode 355

    Can coaching make a big difference, especially if you are fairly accomplished and experienced? In this episode, Mark and Darren get answers from four clients who participated in a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY…

  20. Ep. 354 Do You Have It?

    · 24 min · Episode 354

    Ep. 354 DO YOU HAVE IT? People crave the 'it factor'…presence, confidence, charisma, and eloquence. Today, Darren and Mark discuss another 'it'…courage. From their experience, they share the type of courage every…

  21. Ep. 353 THREE ACTIONS MOST WONT TAKE TO BE UNFORGETTABLE

    · 35 min · Episode 353

    As presenters, we want to be our best on the platform. Many of us attend workshops and seminars, purchase and devour resources, and practice diligently. However, something might be missing. Today, Mark and Darren…

  22. Ep. 352 UNFORGETTABLE COLLABORATION

    · 20 min · Episode 352

    "I'm a keynote speaker. I'm a solopreneur. I'm building MY brand. Won't collaboration dilute my brand?" This is a valid concern, and in this episode, Darren and Mark discuss the 'ups and downs' of collaboration.…

  23. Ep. 351 WHAT IS YOUR HEARTSET?

    · 30 min

    Much has been said about having the right mindset before a presentation. Today, Mark and Darren discuss the right HEARTSET, and they share both how and why the right heartset can help to make you unforgettable.…

  24. Ep. 350 WHAT'S A PACE ELEMENT?

    · 20 min · Episode 350

    It's important to keep your audience engaged, and the key to doing so lies in a simple but powerful concept. Today Darren and Mark define and discuss PACE ELEMENTS, sharing how they can help you to deliver an…

  25. Ep. 349 "I WAS GONNA SAY THAT!"

    · 24 min · Episode 349

    You're in the audience, listening the speaker before you, and you hear them make a point, tell an anecdote, or use language that makes you think, "I was gonna say that!" How do you respond? Can you avoid this? In…

  26. Ep. 348 - GO BACK TO YOUR WELL?

    · 14 min · Episode 348

    It's not unusual for presenters to 'move on' from past presentations. Toastmasters is a good example. Today, Darren and Mark encourage you to 'go back to the well' and revisit old presentations. They may hold new value…

  27. Ep. 347 YOU DON'T KNOW?

    · 18 min · Episode 347

    Can you ever truly know the full impact of your presentations? Today, Mark and Darren provide the answer by sharing anecdotes, experiences, and insight gained from their combined 60 years on the platform. SNIPPETS: •…

  28. Ep. 346 - THE TWO BIGGEST PROBLEMS?

    · 26 min · Episode 346

    Speakers must exude confidence to inform, inspire, and influence. However, EGO and SELF-DOUBT can have a significant impact on us and our audiences. Darren and Mark offer advice on how to effectively manage both and…

  29. Ep. 345 - YOU? YOUR?

    · 14 min · Episode 345

    Our messages must serve our audiences, and two words are most helpful in achieving that goal. Darren and Mark expound on the power and value of the words 'YOU' and 'YOUR,' as well as their unforgettable impact on our…

  30. Ep. 344 YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?

    · 25 min · Episode 344

    The concept of relationship selling is not uncommon, but today, Mark and Darren go beyond selling to explore the greater value of building relationships. SNIPPETS: • Build relationships beyond the booking • Use…

  31. Ep. 343 SUCCESS BACKWARDS?

    · 32 min · Episode 343

    There's a story behind every booking. Today Mark and Darren examine how our 'booking stories' can reveal what is necessary to get more bookings now. SNIPPETS: • Go back to the well • Revisit the decisions that led…

  32. Ep. 342 NERVOUS? INSECURE? PERFECT!

    · 38 min · Episode 342

    Feeling nervous before a presentation or feeling insecure when facing an intimidating audience can be positive. That may seem counterintuitive, but Mark and Darren clarify in today's episode. Drawing on their combined…

  33. Ep. 341 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 2

    · 18 min · Episode 341

    Stories can transform presentations, and when certain essentials are met, a story can be unforgettable. Today's episode is the second of a two-part conversation about five story essentials…tools which, when used…

  34. Ep. 340 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 1

    · 25 min · Episode 340

    Everyone enjoys a good story, and unforgettable stories contain certain essentials. In this episode, Mark and Darren expound upon three of their five story essentials, showing not only how they work, but why. This is…

  35. Ep. 339 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MISSION WITH SUSIE SINGER CARTER

    · 53 min · Episode 339

    How are writing and producing films connected to delivering presentations and storytelling? Mark and Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker/director/producer/actress Susie Singer Carter as she shares her…

  36. Ep. 338 DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING!

    · 29 min · Episode 338

    Every once in a while, speakers encounter circumstances that they didn't see coming. How can you handle them and make the best use of them in the future? Today, Darren and Mark share their experiences and offer…

  37. Ep. 337 INSIDER SECRETS OF THE SPEAKING BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS

    · 23 min · Episode 337

    Emerging presenters and professional speakers want to know best practices and proven processes for running a successful speaking business. You would be hard-pressed to find a more reliable source than business growth…

  38. Ep. 336 CREATING MAXIMUM IMPACT WITH FORD SAEKS

    · 33 min · Episode 336

    What does it take to create maximum impact while serving your audience? To find out, Mark and Darren chat with business growth innovator and Hall of Fame speaker, Ford Saeks. Ford clearly lays out principles,…

  39. Ep. 335 OWN THE STAGE

    · 31 min · Episode 335

    Anyone can give a presentation, but what does it take to truly OWN the stage? Calling back to a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-day workshop, Darren and Mark provide some key insights and principles that will help any presenter…

  40. Ep. 334 TAKE INVENTORY?

    · 24 min · Episode 334

    To meet customer demand, organizations take inventory, then replenish and upgrade their offerings. As a presenter, it's wise to take inventory of your speech…and everything that surrounds it. Today, Mark and Darren…

  41. Ep. 333 THE FOUR CORNERS?

    · 24 min · Episode 333

    Audience members can have different experiences depending on where they sit in a meeting venue. Darren and Mark explain and give some sage advice on how the meeting space can maximize your audience's experience.…

  42. Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY

    · 33 min · Episode 332

    Last week Darren and Mark shared effective ways to embody characters physically. Today, they share the impact that we can have when we do the same with vocal techniques. SNIPPETS: • Selectively use dialogue instead…

  43. Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY

    · 25 min · Episode 331

    Our stories are more vivid when we embody the characters, and today, Mark and Darren explore simple yet effective ways to embody characters physically. With these techniques, characters are easily identifiable without…

  44. Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS

    · 18 min · Episode 330

    It's always helpful to know your audience's pain points. However, your pain points can be an avenue to building a relationship with them. Today, Darren and Mark share how to do just that, with ideas that can help you…

  45. Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING

    · 26 min · Episode 329

    Once in a while, an audience is less emotive than most, leaving a speaker to wonder, "Are they listening?" Mark and Darren discuss that question today while providing perspective, context, and solid suggestions for…

  46. Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..."

    · 27 min · Episode 328

    "I just need…" is a phrase that eager speakers often use when asking for advice. Oftentimes it's followed by "a few tweaks," "a punch-up," "to add humor," "a little polish," or something similar. Today, Darren and…

  47. Ep. 327 ASK!

    · 25 min · Episode 327

    There is a popular adage that says, "If you don't ask, the answer is always 'No'." In this episode, Mark and Darren talk about the benefits of asking for guidance, and how to respond, regardless of the answer. Asking…

  48. Ep. 326 CUSTOMIZING YOUR PRESENTATION

    · 32 min · Episode 326

    One way to increase audience buy-in is to customize your presentation. Today, Darren and Mark dive into the why and how of customization. Applying these ideas will help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: •…

  49. Ep. 325 THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF PAIN POINTS

    · 26 min · Episode 325

    To truly win your audience, you must identify and address their pain points. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss the importance of understanding them and offer suggestions for uncovering them. SNIPPETS: • Pain…

  50. Ep. 324 ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

    · 17 min · Episode 324

    The business of speaking can bring myriad complications and stressors. But in the midst of all that, Darren and Mark offer a reminder to enjoy the privilege of the speaking experience. Remaining joyful despite all…

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